Yuvraj's injury will have an impact, he will be missed: Ravi Shastri

Indian team director Ravi Shastri on Wednesday said that Yuvraj Singh missing out on the remaining matches of the World T20 will have a big impact on the team. The former Indian cricketer also made it clear that the team is up and ready for their match against West Indies on Thursday at Mumbai.

Yuvraj Singh was officially ruled out of the World T20 on Wednesday after suffering an ankle injury in the virtual quarter-final match against Australia on Sunday. Manish Pandey will replace the all-rounder in the squad and Indian team director Ravi Shastri confirmed that Yuvraj’s absence will have a big impact on the side for the crucial semi-final match against West Indies on Thursday.

“Yuvraj's injury will have an impact, he will be missed,” Shastri told reporters in the pre-match press conference in Mumbai.

“Yuvraj had his moments. I think his three overs in Mohali were brilliant, that kept a check on the scoring and allowed us to come back. At one stage it was looking 200+, which would have been difficult. It is an unfortunate injury that happened during the game. I believe it is a minor tear and we will miss him,” Shastri added.

When asked about the replacement for Yuvraj in the match against West Indies on Thursday, Shastri made it clear that the team is yet to choose a replacement for the all-rounder and will take a decision after the net session on Wednesday.

“We have not decided yet. Manish Pandey has just joined the party yesterday and we will take a decision after the net session. We will have to keep the crucial overs in mind before selecting the best option for us.

Although Yuvraj’s will have a big impact on India’s plans, the former Indian cricketer seemed confident of the team’s preparation ahead of the semi-final against West Indies.

“West Indies are one of the most dangerous sides in this format. They got explosive players and match winners. But we know our strengths as well. We are up and ready for it,” Shastri said.

When asked about the presence of dangerous opener Chris Gayle in the opposition line-up, the former India all-rounder seemed not too bothered by the southpaw’s presence and said that Indian bowlers will target the opener.

“Bring it on, all our bowlers will target him (Gayle),” former Indian all-rounder said.

Shastri was also full of praise for Virat Kohli, who has been the star performer for India in the tournament.

“Kohli's innings was the best you will ever see in T20s. I don’t know how long T20 cricket will be played, but the kind of shots he played, the occasion, the pressure, if you consider all these things, it was unbelievable,” the 53-year old said.

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